The Best Online Master’s in Accounting Programs

Summary of work: More than 90 hours of research. Every online Master's in Accounting program in the US analyzed. 35 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. Top 50 programs identified.

While accounting is stereotypically characterized as a boring job full of number crunching, professionals in the field know that this is a large misconception. In fact, accounting is often called the language of business — it is the system that businesses and government agencies rely on for interpreting financial information, activities, and strength. Simply put, without skilled accountants every business, government agency, and non-profit in the world would come to a crashing halt.

With such high stakes, it’s no surprise that some professionals pursue a Master’s in Accounting (MAcc). These degree programs offer courses that cover the latest developments in critical topics including financial reporting, data analytics, and taxation. Such training ensures that degree holders not only thrive in the evolving world of business, but it also gives students the opportunity to innovate and develop new methods for driving financial success and managing financial data.

HOW TO GET AN ACCOUNTING DEGREE ONLINE?

Most programs will require a bachelor’s degree and a sufficient GMAT or GRE score. The specifics will vary depending on school, but most department websites list their admission requirements.

HOW LONG TO GET AN ACCOUNTING DEGREE ONLINE?

Most master’s programs require 2 to 4 years to complete and some schools offer accelerated programs. Of course, students can complete their degrees faster or slower depending on their course load.

CAN YOU GET A MASTER’S DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING ONLINE?

Yes, many schools offer a master’s in accounting online.

ARE ONLINE ACCOUNTING DEGREES RESPECTED?

Yes, most employers accept online degrees, and many well-respected schools offer online programs. The key is to make sure your school is accredited by the AACSB — the gold standard for business-related degrees.

HOW MUCH DOES AN ONLINE ACCOUNTING MASTER’S DEGREE COST?

According to US News and World Report, an online masters in accounting costs between $24,000 and $72,000.

A Master’s in Accounting program also trains students to hold their organizations financially accountable. Most professionals already do this, but programs allow students to specialize in particular fields from salary management to tax and environmental policy. Financial management in such fields is intricate, and specializations allow students to become more effective at eliminating the chance for fraud. While job stability and career advancement is a strong incentive to invest in a master’s program — the demand for accountants is rising — the strongest incentive is that it offers a path to a career with immeasurable importance.

For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.

Best Online Master's in Accounting Programs

We took a deep dive into every single online accounting program in the nation – analyzing program outcome data, compiling surveys from current students and alumni, and spoke to hiring managers and leaders in the field to get their insights. Below is a list of the top 50 online Master’s in Accounting programs in the nation.

Auburn University's Master of Accountancy program is ideal for students who want the convenience of learning online for a majority of their time enrolled in the school. However, it's best for in-state students as they have to spend three days on campus to complete a residency in their final spring semester.

Emporia State University caters to working students who may not have the time to dedicate to a fully online master's in accounting program. With part-time options available, working students can complete the coursework on their schedule and explore various specializations such as enterprise resource planning and business analytics.

Students who enroll in the online master's in accounting program at UNC Chapel Hill receive the same attention as those who attend classes on campus. Distance learners have face-to-face classes with professors and are given group work to build strong connections not only with the faculty but also with other students in the program.

The University of Texas at Dallas offers two enrollment options for its online master's in accounting program: cohort and flex. The cohort option allows all students to work through the courses together whereas the flex option lets students work on the courses at their own pace and in any sequence.

In the next few years, roughly a third of the government workforce will qualify for retirement, creating vacancies in agencies and departments at the local, state and federal levels of government. The need for qualified governmental accountants has never been greater, and a Rutgers Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting offers a great credential for candidates who want to fill those jobs. Rutgers Business School provides the same tuition rate for out-of-state students that it does for those who live in the state and enroll in the online Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting program.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Accountancy in Governmental Accounting

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Designed for business or accounting majors. Candidates who do not hold a business or accounting degree may take the prerequisite course "Accounting for Managers" in the summer to qualify for admission to the program.Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time and Part-time Program Length: 1 year (full-time), 2-3 years (part-time)

$1,000 per credit hour for VA, MD and DC residents, $1,850 per credit hour for all other US residents

Best for Career Development

Students who complete the online masters in accounting program at George Mason have a greater chance of securing a position in their chosen field after graduation. In fact, nearly 86 percent of all graduates go on to work in the public, private or government sectors within a few months of earning their degree.

Bay Path University's master's in accounting program has an accelerated option for students looking to go into auditing, tax preparation, forensic accounting and other financial career paths. Enrolled students can begin in April or May and complete the entire program in only eight months.

The University of South Dakota boasts the AACSB International accreditation for its School of Business and has held this distinguished title since 1949. Students who enroll in the master's in accounting program have the confidence that they're earning a high quality degree that is well-respected in the business world.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Beacom School of BusinessProgram Name: Master of Professional AccountancyAccrediting Body: AACSB

Keystone College offers a completely online master's in accountancy program. Students can complete all of their coursework online with two courses every seven weeks. Students can complete the program in just one year.

Golden Gate University's faculty prepares students for careers in forensic accounting at businesses in Silicon Valley and other agencies across the country. Students develop accounting skills and knowledge in business laws to investigate fraud and embezzlement for use in legal procedures.

Bellevue University students who enroll in the master's in accounting program have the option to specialize in either tax or finance. These two specializations give students different paths to follow, providing the skills to pursue careers as tax consultants, financial analysts and budget specialists.

Western Governors University's online master's in accounting program allows students to test out of courses that they know very well. This option gives them the freedom to move on to courses that they actually need and to save money on tuition at the same time.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of BusinessProgram Name: Master of Science AccountingAccrediting Body: ACBSP

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 12-27 monthsProgram start dates: Every first day of the month

Students who enroll in the Master of Accountancy program also have the opportunity to earn their master's in business administration degree simultaneously. Students have the option to earn three credits through an internship, helping to strengthen their skills in this dual-degree program.

The University of Connecticut offers one of the most acclaimed online master's in accounting program in the northeastern United States. Students can take as many as eight electives that cover a wide range of topics, from fraud examination to global financial reporting.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: UConn School of BusinessProgram Name: Master of Science Program in AccountingAccrediting Body: AACSB

SUNY Polytechnic Institute offers a Master of Accountancy program with the same faculty that leads the on-campus classes. Personal tutors are available to every student in the program, giving them the support they need to understand the coursework and to become future leaders in the field.

Regis University's online master's in accounting program has a solid foundation in ethics, which today's major corporations and accounting agencies look for in their employees. The faculty educates its online and on-campus students on the importance of ethics and good practices in the field of accounting.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Business and EconomicsProgram Name: Master of Science in AccountingAccrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

The University of Maryland University College designed its master's in accounting program for mid-career professionals who want to advance into management positions. Students focus on a variety of topics such as accounting ethics and international accounting to prepare for managerial roles in their organizations.

The University of Massachusetts at Lowell has developed an online master's in accounting program for students who want a career working for nonprofits. Students learn important concepts and techniques to help them produce accurate records, measure accountability and sustain a nonprofit organization.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Robert J. Manning School of BusinessProgram Name: Master of Science in AccountingAccrediting Body: AACSB, NEASC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-timeProgram Length: 1 year for Full time; 3 years for Part-timeProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

The University of Massachusetts of Amherst makes it easy for students who have a bachelor's degree in a different field to earn their master's degree in accounting. The Accounting Transitions Program covers the prerequisites that are needed to enter the Master of Accountancy program and can be completed in one summer.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Isenberg School of ManagementProgram Name: MS in AccountingAccrediting Body: AACSB

The University of Scranton helps its students master the skills of bookkeeping through hands-on training and interactive online learning. Professional practitioners teach students what it takes to be leaders of an organization's general ledger, as well as to record every transaction and to produce financial statements for their supervisors.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham's online Master of Accountancy program includes coursework in auditing to help prepare students for roles as auditors for the Internal Revenue Service and other financial organizations. Students learn analytical and leadership skills to help them advance not only in auditing but in other areas of business.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of BusinessProgram Name: Master of AccountingAccrediting Body: AACSB

Indiana Wesleyan is a private university with more than 10,000 online and on-campus students. It's committed to providing quality education in the master's in accounting program and teaches students how ethics play an important part in solving issues that arise in the field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: DeVoe School of BusinessProgram Name: MS in Accounting

The University of Miami offers two tracks in the Master of Accountancy program: a track for those who have little to no accounting background and a track for students who have had accounting coursework in their business program. Online students benefit from asynchronous coursework and learn skills to become business leaders and accounting professionals in the field.

Wilmington University prepares students for roles as tax attorneys with their master's in accounting program. Supported by experienced and professional practitioners, students will learn and understand the fine details of tax law and how to help their clients and organizations remain compliant within the laws of current taxation.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of BUsinessProgram Name: Master of Science in Accounting

Southern Adventist University offers an online master's in business administration program with a focus in accounting. The coursework includes topics such as marketing management and strategic decision making, preparing students for careers in accounting firms and corporate businesses.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Business and ManagementProgram Name: Master of Business AdministrationAvailable Concentrations: Accounting, Church and Nonprofit Leadership, Customized, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Management, Marketing Management

Edgewood College covers every aspect of a student's education both online and on campus. Students who enroll in the Master of Accountancy program receive everything from career coaching to career fairs, giving students every opportunity to enhance their time at the school and to advance in their careers.

Liberty University's partnership with the Veterans Affairs Administration gives eligible students a way to earn their master's in accounting degree online at a reduced tuition rate. Military Times has ranked Liberty University as one of the best schools for vets.

CSU Sacramento bridges the gap between employers and its business students, giving them a better chance at landing careers after graduation. Students in the Master of Science in Accountancy program take courses such as financial accounting, auditing and business concepts to enhance their careers even further.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Business AdministrationProgram Name: Master of Science in Accountancy

Nova Southeastern University developed its master's in accounting program for entry-level students who have had business classes but no accounting coursework. The program provides education in all phases of accounting, from tax laws to financial analysis, to help students gain a better understanding of the field and to learn the skills to assume roles in private and public businesses.

Stetson University's online Master of Accountancy program gives students an easy way to post messages and to respond to faculty and other students on the message board. Every student also has access to 24/7 technical support to receive help if they have problems with the online learning system or the coursework.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of BusinessProgram Name: Master of AccountancyAccrediting Body: AACSB

FAU is equipped with a major learning center complete with study lounges, a library, computer labs and more. Students who enroll in the online master's in accounting program have access to the library system and an online virtual study center for support and to make them feel as though they're part of the on-campus experience.

Western New England offers students who enroll full-time in the master's in accounting program a way to graduate in only 10 months. Even part-time students in the program can graduate in 15 months thanks to the university's online learning environment.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of BusinessProgram Name: Master of Science in AccountingAccrediting Body: AACSB

The University of Michigan's online master's in accounting program is best for local students who can attend the on-campus sessions every six weeks. Students can still complete much of the coursework online, but on-campus classes are required to earn the degree.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: University Of Michigan's Ross School of BusinessProgram Name: Master of Accounting

Saint Leo University has helped distance learners earn their degrees online since the 1990s. Students enrolled in the online master's in accounting program learn important accounting objectives such as auditing and financial statement analysis with the help from a friendly, experienced faculty.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: AccountingProgram Name: Master of AccountingAccrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP)

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online master's in accounting program with up to four concentrations, which include management accounting. Students who choose this concentration take part in management decision making and also provide financial expertise in their organizations.

Saint Joseph's College offers an MAcc Fast Track Option for students who want to earn their master's degree in one year. Eligible students with a bachelor's degree in accounting can have six credits waived depending on their grades in their intermediate accounting classes.

Texas A&M University at Commerce has a specially designed master's in accounting program for students who have no accounting background but want to pursue careers as bookkeepers, budget analysts and more. Students are introduced to numerous topics, from tax laws to business ethics, and also learn from practitioners in the field to help them graduate and to become leaders in government, public and private organizations.

American Public University System offers a completely online master's in accounting program for corporate professionals who want to advance in their careers. The coursework includes various objectives such as understanding accounting principles, assessing financial data and abiding by the ethical principles that are used by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: AccountingProgram Name: Master of Science in AccountingAccrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Post University takes a practitioner-focused approach to online education as students are taught by working professionals who also teach in an academic setting. Students will learn how to think critically, to communicate effectively and to use their newly acquired skills to become leaders in the field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Malcolm Baldrige School of BusinessProgram Name: Master of Science in AccountingAccrediting Body: ACBSP

Franklin University is a GoArmyEd partner and helps to deliver quality education to military members who are currently serving in the Armed Forces. Military students can enroll in the Master of Accountancy program and earn their degree through distance learning, giving them the skills to pursue a full-time career once they've completed their time in the service.

Averett University prepares students for roles as budget analysts in private, nonprofit and government agencies and businesses. The online master's in accounting program gives students the skills to analyze, develop, execute and organize budgets and financial plans in their future careers.

California Baptist University prepares students for roles in asset management and investment firms, providing the skills to process investments and to keep track of internal and external activity. The coursework includes topics such as business law and business ethics to help students develop further skills to advance their careers within their organizations or other financial sectors.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Masters of Science in AccountingAccrediting Body: ACBSP

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Business Law, Business and Organizational Management, Microeconomics or Macroeconomics, Principles of Accounting I, Principles of Marketing, Statistics and Proficiency in Microsoft Office applicationsCredit Requirements: 30 credits

Colorado State University-Global Campus is the first and only 100% online, independent, regionally accredited state university in the United States in the country and offers an accredited master's in accounting program for students who want to earn their degree from home. CSU-Global is a worldwide leader and an innovator, providing educational opportunities for students no matter where they live in the world.

Gardner-Webb University's online Master of Accountancy program prepares students for careers in local, state and government agencies through online coursework and real-world experience. Students gain invaluable experience through various service opportunities and internships and can interact with leaders in business to enhance their future careers.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of BusinessProgram Name: Master of Accountancy

Georgia Southern University provides a flexible online master's in accounting program for full-time professionals. Distance learners can graduate in two years and are only required to take two classes in the spring and fall semesters and just one class during the summer semester.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Accountancy College of BusinessProgram Name: Master of AccountingAccrediting Body: AACSB

Rider University's online master's in accounting program has a specialization for students who want to pursue careers as government accountants. The government accounting track teaches students important skills such as recording, analyzing and clarifying financial information for transactions and events that are carried out by government agencies.

Shorter University's online master's in accounting program prepares students for roles as tax consultants in private practice or for public businesses. The coursework includes topics such as tax law and economics, and the hands-on training helps students learn to communicate tax issues to clients and also to help them minimize tax liability.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Business AdministrationProgram Name: Master of Accountancy

St. John's University has an online master's in accounting program for students who would like to advance their careers as financial planners. This program includes 100 percent online coursework to help students learn to establish goals, to gather data, to develop plans and to implement those plans into action for business clients in their future organizations.

Concordia University offers a master's in accounting program through its School of Business. It doesn't require students to take a GRE or a CMAT to enroll in the program; students also don't have to write a thesis during the admission process.

Friends University prepares students for roles as cost accountants at various public accounting firms or in their own practices. Students learn many techniques for developing stable budgets, evaluating business ventures and allocating costs.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Business Administration in Accounting
Available Concentrations: Accounting